DOT&PF Joins Click It or Ticket 2010 to Reduce Crash Deaths

Published: June 2, 2010

Motorists Face Stepped Up Enforcement

(JUNEAU, Alaska) – Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities officials announced today that they are joining with other state, local law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials now through June 6 to launch an aggressive Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign. Police will be ticketing unbelted vehicle occupants around the clock.

In Alaska in 2008, 15 died unbelted at night, compared to ninewho died unbelted during the day.

“Nighttime drivers and passengers continue to be among those least likely to wear seat belts. Consequently, they are also among those most likely to die in motor vehicle crashes. That’s why theDepartment of Transportation and Public Facilities is supporting enhanced nighttime enforcement of belt laws during this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign,” said Commissioner Leo von Scheben, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

The department joins thousands of law enforcement officials, highway safety representatives and safety advocates nationwide who have vowed support of this annual effort to save lives. High-visibility enforcement such as the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the national belt usage rate from 58 percent in 1994 to an observed usage rate of 84 percent in 2009. In 2008 alone, seat belts saved 13,250 lives nationwide. Of Alaskan children five years old and older, 25 were saved by seat belts in 2008.

“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket activities that will take place around the clock. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket — not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions,” said Cindy Cashen, Alaska Highway Safety Office administrator.

It’s Click It or Ticket. Buckle up and encourage others to do the same. It saves the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.